Dementia
What is Dementia?
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. The specific symptoms that someone with dementia experiences will depend on the parts of the brain that are damaged and the disease that is causing the dementia.
Caring for patients with dementia
A person with dementia may often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support, particularly when they are in an unfamiliar environment such as a hospital.
Our hospital staff consistently strive to provide care centred around the individual needs of the person with dementia. We involve not only the person themselves, but their families and carers in the assessment and care planning, including when the time comes to leave hospital.
The Butterfly Scheme
Airedale is an ambassador trust of the national ‘Butterfly Scheme’.
The Butterfly Scheme was devised by a carer named Barbara, whose mother had dementia. The purpose of the scheme is to improve patient safety and well-being in hospitals. The scheme, which patients/ carers or family members opt in to, involves placing a discreet butterfly symbol by the bedside of the patient. A butterfly care plan is visible for all staff to inform them of the individual needs of the person which can help with providing patient centred care. If you’d like to know more about the scheme, please click on the buttons below to download a leaflet or care plan. Alternatively there are Butterfly Champions on every ward and within our Radiology, Emergency, Outpatient Departments and Therapy teams.
Information for Patients and Carers
Butterfly Care Plan 2017
Supporting Carers
(click to watch the video)
Airedale has pledged support to the national initiative ‘John’s Campaign’ – supporting carers of people with dementia to continue caring for their loved one whilst in hospital. The campaign was set up by a carer, Nicci Gerrard, who’s father John had dementia (pictured above). Nicci suggests has she been allowed to stay with her father at the times that mattered (regardless of hospital visiting hours) his health would not have deteriorated.
We value carers as expert partners in care and are committed to working with carers to provide the best care possible for your loved one. As a carer you could access flexible visiting to help your loved one at mealtimes or with tasks as part of their daily routine. Coming in to hospital can be unsettling for many people with dementia and can have an impact on their overall wellbeing- by having their carer or close family member nearby, this can greatly improve their experience.
Our new Acute Assessment Unit ( due to open in Autumn 2018) will have 2 larger individual patient bedrooms with facilities for a carer to stay overnight. Dementia Friends Keighley have supported the hospital to design this unit with the needs of patients with dementia and their carers in mind.
For more information, speak to a member of ward staff or download our leaflet:
John’s Campaign Leaflet
Working with local organisations
Carers’ Resource offers free information, support and guidance to carers across Bradford, Airedale and Craven. Members of the Carers’ Resource team visit the hospital to talk to carers and families about the support available to them. Sarah is based on Ward 4 once a month, but she is available to contact at other times.